About Us

Woodhaven Gardens is a family run commercial growing operation located on the fertile plains of the Horowhenua Region in New Zealand. We have production in excess of 1000 acres, producing and distributing both nationally and internationally. Woodhaven is recognised as one of the leaders in the industry.

With all our products Woodhaven attempts to exceed customers needs and expectations with a promise of freshness, taste and uncompromising quality. Where possible we add value to our products, pre-packing spinach, parsley, radish, silverbeet, spring onions, lettuce and kale to name a few. This gives our customer a product that does not need to be re-processed in store, so that there is less wastage, and ultimately a product that arrives fresh, and increase shelf life at retail.

40
Years growing

1600
Acres of production

18
Types of product

220
Staff members

Our History

In 1978 father and son, Eric & John Clarke, established Woodhaven Gardens in an attempt to create a lifestyle that would derive a small income while allowing them the freedom to care for John’s mother who had Multiple Sclerosis. This lifestyle choice soon became an unquestionable passion for producing the best produce possible.

Since its inception Woodhaven has witnessed many industry based changes from the cessation of the auction system, to the introduction of quality assurance programs such as New Zealand Gap. Our growing practices have also changed dramatically. Many a night in summer was spent hand watering plants from a trailer mounted tank, now we irrigate via automated irrigation systems. Planting was all done by hand but is now done via cell transplanting, there has also been major advances in integrated pest management and how crops are produced allowing us to achieve healthier products and more sustainable production.

One of the keys to the farm’s success has been the ability to adapt and in some cases pre-empt these changes. 37 years on Woodhaven Gardens is still very much a family owned and operated business, with John’s daughter Emma being involved in the day to day running, and son Jay leading special projects. Woodhaven Gardens has a strong sense of its own history, but with an even stronger focus on the future.

Our Environment

The Horowhenua region is renowned for its fertile soil and temperate climate. This allows for production of a large range of quality vegetables all year round. In order to maintain the vitality of the soil Woodhaven uses crop rotation and cover crops of beneficial grasses, which are ploughed back into the earth in order to enrich the soil and ensure its sustainability for the future.

The Horowhenua region is renowned for its fertile soil and temperate climate. This allows for production of a large range of quality vegetables all year round. In order to maintain the vitality of the soil Woodhaven uses crop rotation and cover crops of beneficial grasses, which are ploughed back into the earth in order to enrich the soil and ensure its sustainability for the future. Woodhaven understands its environmental footprint and works hard to minimise this environmental impact as much as possible. Its work creating sustainable farming practices and investigating ways to reduce nutrient leaching resulted in a finals nomination in the 2016 Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Woodhaven also works closely with both the Horowhenua and Horizons Regional councils as they try and balance the needs of a varied and growing business with the potential impacts on its local community.

Our Community

The local Horowhenua Community plays an important role in the success of our business. We are proud to support the following organisations with sponsorship and or fresh produce.

Woodhaven Gardens also acknowledges the importance of family to its staff. As such Woodhaven offers two $5000 scholarships to the children of past or current staff* who are completing tertiary education. The winners of the scholarship are decided by a group of trusties annually. For more details on the scholarship and how to apply please contact Emma Clarke at emma@woodhavengardens.co.nz

*Staff must have completed two or more years of service before applications will be considered in accordance with the trust deed.